Olyphant, PA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 19/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water compliance in Olyphant, PA ranks below average — documented gaps in multiple service areas.
How Olyphant Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Olyphant Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 44 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0833 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $4,950 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Olyphant
Federal drinking water records identify 7 systems in Olyphant, PA. The leading 3 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Olyphant, Pennsylvania (population ~10,042), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 147,836 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 16 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Olyphant: F (19/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Olyphant water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0833 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 2 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 30 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 15 | 2 |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 6 | 2 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Copper | Inorganic | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18447 | F | 22 | 8 | PA AMER WATER CO LAKE SCRANTON |
| 18448 | F | 22 | 8 | Skyview Gardens Apts |
All ZIP Codes in Olyphant
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Top Contaminants in Olyphant Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Olyphant Homeowners
Looking at how documented remediation costs fit within Olyphant's property market, the equity share lands in the elevated tier — a result that positions the household financial perspective as one requiring structured preparation, where mapping costs against household budget, documenting scope early, and sequencing by urgency are the practical tools that distinguish manageable outcomes from financially disruptive ones.
At 2.5% of home value, remediation costs in Olyphant represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $3,200–$7,300. Home values here are 9% below the Pennsylvania average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Olyphant
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water — especially if your home was built before 1986.
<strong>2 ZIP codes</strong> (100% of the city) exceed the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Olyphant
Flood exposure in Olyphant is meaningful by NFIP measures — 96 claims on record and 50% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Olyphant has a moderate flood history with 96 FEMA claims averaging $5,891 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$4,950</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Olyphant
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Contaminant 0700 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Olyphant's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Olyphant, PA